Kpop Sickfics and Hurtfics Part 2

Cracks in the Armor (K)

It was a typical day in the life of K, the performance leader and center of &TEAM. The lights of the practice room were blinding, and the echo of footsteps filled the space as the group hustled through their rigorous schedule. The team had been under an immense amount of pressure lately, and the tension was palpable. Back-to-back events, interviews, rehearsals, and promotions left little time for rest, and the exhaustion weighed heavily on everyone. But for K, it felt heavier than ever before.

As the performance leader, K was used to being the pillar of strength and confidence for his group. He always took charge during practice, his movements sharp and fluid, guiding the team with his usual precision. But today, something felt different.

The music blared through the speakers, and the familiar choreography flowed seamlessly. Yet, despite his outward composure, K could feel the walls closing in. His breathing was shallow, his chest tight, and a faint dizziness crept up the back of his mind.

He quickly masked it with a bright smile, as usual, pretending everything was fine. But deep down, K was struggling to breathe, to keep it all together.

"Alright, everyone! Let's try that section again. We've got this!" K called out with enthusiasm, but his voice felt strained, betraying his internal battle. He focused on the music, pushing the rising panic down, telling himself that it would be fine. This was just another day. He could handle it.

Hours passed, and K's attempts to keep up with the intensity of practice grew more difficult. His stomach churned, his hands trembling slightly when he wasn't actively moving. Between the choreography, interviews, and constant coordination with the staff, the stress was mounting, and with each passing minute, it felt like the weight was too much.

His usual confidence faltered. K's usual method was to suppress his emotions, to bury them deep inside where no one could see, but now they were starting to bleed through the cracks. Panic attacks, which had been rare until now, started to creep in. The first one had caught him by surprise during a long rehearsal session, the music too loud, the lights too bright. His heart had raced, his vision blurred, and he had struggled to catch his breath. But he couldn't let anyone see. He couldn't let anyone know he was struggling.

He excused himself, stepping away to the side, pretending to check his phone for something—anything—to keep the others from noticing. K took slow, deliberate breaths, trying to steady his racing heart. It didn't help. He felt trapped in his own body.

"Are you alright, K-senpai?"

The voice snapped K out of his thoughts, and he turned to find EJ standing beside him, a concerned look on his face. K quickly wiped his brow, forcing a smile.

"I'm fine," K said, his voice too high-pitched to be convincing. "Just needed a breather."

EJ wasn't convinced. He eyed K for a moment, his gaze narrowing. "Are you sure? You've been acting a little off since practice started."

K could see the concern in his eyes, but he quickly shook it off. "It's nothing. Just a little tired, that's all." He brushed past EJ and rejoined the group, praying that no one would see the cracks in his armor.

But as the day went on, K's condition worsened. Every time the group took a break, K would retreat to a corner, breathing deeply, trying to calm his nerves. His mind raced with the overwhelming list of things to do—schedules, performances, expectations. As the eldest he was supposed to be the one holding everything together. But the cracks in his composure were starting to show.

After one particularly intense practice, K found himself standing alone in the hallway, hyperventilating as he tried to steady himself. His head was spinning, and his chest felt like it was being crushed under the weight of everything he had to manage. He couldn't hold it in any longer.